I must admit, for me Palma de Mallorca means beaches, Germans and beach bars. But, the truth is that I learned that it is much more than this. Water activities, cultural wealth and trekking are excellent options.
If there is a destination in Spain that in recent decades has benefited from the great tourist boom its Mallorca.
One of the great advantages of the mentioned tourist boom of this island is that there are many flight connections from cities all over.
In any case, the airport is immense and very well equipped. In the different areas there are spaces for eating, shopping and for the little ones to play.
Therefore, this facilitates the possibility of finding a good connection at any time of the year to get away in this city.
For this reason, traveling to Palma de Mallorca is an excellent way to unwind and relax.
It has 208,6 square kilometers of surface but it is enough to gather monuments, paradisiacal beaches, unique experiences, food and unique landscapes, amongst others.
German invasion
I remember very well when in 2018, the EasyJet airline packed sectors of Berlin with an advertising campaign that declared: “The best of Germany: Mallorca”.
In any case, what is clear to me is that the Germans took over Mallorca and made it their own.
A perfect example is that during Holy Week 2019, Palma de Mallorca was the most reserved destination for the Germans.
But I didn’t expect so many Germans or that the city would be so submerged by them. I mean, we’re talking about Deutsche Ecke (restaurants and bars), Deutsch Artz, Späti, etc. On the terraces you hear incessantly: Bitte, die Karte! (Menu please!).
Hundreds of Germans of all ages. Of course, those who were in a rage, crazy, no limits kind of party attitude were relatively young. Since the early hours with bottles of liquor in hand, in beachwear, shirts, flip flops and sun glasses! All their thoughts revolved around the party, going into the water, taking thousands of pictures and flirting. There were also older people, clearly they are another type of tourists.
To my liking, if I lived in Palma de Mallorca, I would die from the desperation tourists would generate. On the other hand, we cannot ignore the attractiveness of its beaches and the great festive atmosphere that is lived at all times of the year. But, I must remember that my plan was to be by the waves of the sea.
Palma has a privileged climate given its location, with an average annual temperature of 18ºC. In addition, it has first level hotels. But, there is also the option of renting an apartment or 2 and 3 star hotels.
Traveling is the best method of disconnection that I know, any time I have luggage, and I get on a plane, car or train and change my destination. So, we visited it for 5 days and 4 nights.
We had some plans planned: places to know, where to eat, but always the beach plan was the central one.
Palma has been transformed into a modern city, cosmopolitan and rich in proposals, which receives its visitor with open arms, throughout the year.
When visiting the city, there are several areas of it where you are going to move, the main one being the historic center that is located on the hill known as Palma Alta.
I believe that if possible, you should stroll through the old fishing district of Santa Catalina that extends around the Lonja, as well as the area of the promenade and the port.
The must-see attractions
Palma de Mallorca is a city that we liked from the first moment. But in Palma there are many surprises, such as its beautiful Cathedral, the Paseo del Borne, Bellver Castle, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the Jewish neighborhood Call, the fishing district Es Jonquet, among others. As always, I recommend that if possible you should do a free walking tour.
The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is the patrimonial heart of Palma. It is an imposing Gothic cathedral that overlooks the sea along with the Almudaina Royal Palace.
The Almudaina Royal Palace is located in front of the main facade of the cathedral and originates from a Muslim fortress of 1281. It was the seat of the Mallorcan kingdom of the fourteenth century and then became the headquarters of the Kingdom of Aragon.
In the narrow streets through which you will walk you can see beautiful corners, and above all you must go looking at the courtyards of the old manor houses of the city, which are slowly recovering.
During the nineteenth century in Palma Alta there were up to 600 stately homes, and today about 60 are preserved. Today many of them are hotels, restaurants, shops or art galleries.
The old Fishing District of the city, known as Es Jonquet or Santa Catalina, has begun to resurface in recent years.
One of the visits we had planned was that of Bellver Castle. It was perfect because we did it on the only day it rained, so it was the ideal plan.
This fortification was built in 1300 and is located on top of a hill in front of the port of Palma, with an original circular plan and four towers around a circular central courtyard.
The special thing about this fortress is its circular plan, it is one of the few that exist in constructions of this type throughout Europe.
This castle gives you the best panoramic views of Palma de Mallorca, the port and the bay.
There are many ways to get to Bellver. It can be by car, taxi, bike, tourist bus or walking (so we arrive).
The largest of the Balearic Islands is full of contrasts. To the South beaches and coves and to the north the Sierra de Tramuntana give it a unique character.
Walking both one and another out of season, is a pleasure for the senses. When Mallorca is out of season, without being invaded by tourists, is wonderful.
You can walk through its streets in the direction of the promenade, go through the Plaza Mayor and discover modernist buildings and typical Mallorcan courtyards, some private and others public.
Another of the activities we had planned was to visit the aquarium! And, what a delicious plan! Like everything in this city, this site is designed for the public.
Palma Aquarium opened in 2007 and is owned by the Coral World International company (they specialize in the creation of marine parks).
They have a total of fifty-five aquariums in which about 8,000 specimens of 700 species of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans live.
The place is extremely didactic. The idea is that visitors feel part of the specimens of our waters. For this reason the aquarium tour is considered as a trip through the seabed around the world.
We cannot ignore the attractiveness of its beaches and coves and the great festive atmosphere that is lived at all times of the year.
The gastronomy
Changing subject, we must talk about gastronomy. Of course, this is Spain and that means, for me, that the food is exquisite.
It is a well known fact: Spanish food is absolutely tasteful. I was very clear what I wanted to eat.
I ate huevos rotos (broken eggs), croquettes, paella, drank red wine and a Clara (beer with lemon, my personal favourite).
The island has more than 1,000 restaurants with a wide range of cuisines from around the world.
So, in terms of food there is much more. People should taste the Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh fish from the area as the main protagonists is necessary and an obligation.
It is also possible some of the specialties of the Balearic Islands, such as the sobrasada or the delicious Mallorcan ensaimadas.
We surrendered to the fresh and intense island flavours.
Some of the typical dishes are: coca de trampó, arrós Brut (a hot soup rice that is prepared in a clay pot with meat, sausages, vegetables, spices and mushrooms), Majorcan roast suckling pig, tumbet (it is made in starting with local vegetables) and Mallorcan snails (they are also accompanied by potatoes and a broth made of parsley, garlic, fennel, mint and chilli).
The beaches and coves
On the other hand, Mallorca is a paradise for sea lovers, but what are the best beaches and coves in Mallorca? These are some of them:
Playa de Palma: White sand, blue waves and the historic center of the city of Palma de Mallorca a few kilometers … the beach of Palma is very cool!
Play Coll Baix: Access is not super simple but the effort is well worth the reward: turquoise waters, cliffs that protect you and few people with whom to share paradise … I did not think twice! It is 8 km from Alcudia.
Cala Varques: Surrounded by pine trees, Cala Varques attracts a handful of curious not only for its white sand and crystal clear waters but also because here is a curious cave that will make more than one lover of caving happy. In its vicinity there are other small coves also very cool! This unspoiled beach is 12 km from Portocristo.
Cala de Mago: Golden sand, blue waters and the occasional nudist in this small cove of Calviá.
Es Trenc beach: it is wonderful! The waters are super crystalline and from there you can see the island of Cabrera. An unforgettable place in the town of Campos.
And why not take advantage of the crystalline waters to start in the world of scuba diving?
Mallorca is a perfect island to discover its seabed, nothing better than diving!
Palma is a jewel … but it is not the only one: Mallorca is dotted with small towns to which more beautiful. We recommend you go through these two (at least):
Andratx: a coastal town surrounded by cliffs, islands and a beautiful sea, don’t think about it and put a pushpin in the map!
Port D’Antratx: take a walk around its port, with lots of restaurants and cafes. The atmosphere is lovely!
Pollença: Small city founded by the Romans where to walk, visit the Gothic chapel of the Roser Vell and take a cool rod.
Valldemossa: to the north of Palma in the Serra de Tramuntana, this small stone town stands. From there you can also enjoy nature, read the next point …
And other recommended towns are Soller, Alcudia, Capdepera or Artá.
Mallorca has many great places to go out at night.
The Mallorcan capital, Palma, is diverse and popular, and some of its neighborhoods are well known for their nightlife. Restaurants, bars and live music are part of the vibrant social life.
Bay Extension
Mallorca has many great places to go out at night.
It is a city that invites, not only for the quality of its people, but also for the artistic and cultural content it possesses. It deserves, without a doubt, to be known in depth.
Its magnificent beaches have become one of the best known and appreciated destinations in the world.
The city extends on both sides of the bay. The Mallorcan capital, Palma, is diverse and popular, and some of its neighborhoods are well known for their nightlife.
There are beautiful courtyards, a magnificent religious architecture, iconic buildings, gazebos with spectacular views, splendid art galleries, and fascinating museums.
Restaurants, bars and live music are part of the vibrant social life.
They have managed to maintain its essence and quality. In addition, the city is aware and committed to the environment and sustainability. For this reason, they promote responsible tourism through the promotion of local product consumption, the protection of the marine ecosystem, forests and historical places.
Mallorca seems to have become a European Florida with views of the Mediterranean. This time, I (we) weren’t going on a party plan. We just wanted to rest, leave the winter and be in front of the sea, feel the breeze and not think much more. Palma de Mallorca was the perfect destination.
